St George’s Day parade
Photos Vicki Couchman
St George’s Church in Ramsgate and GB Carnival held a successful second annual St George’s Day Parade in the town on April 28.
Carnival club workshops were held prior to the parade. On the day there was a church service at 11am, parade at noon and community lunch at 1.30pm.
The workshops and parade were made possible with support from Canterbury Diocese, Ramsgate Town Council and Great British Carnival (funded by Creative Lives)
Westgate-on-Sea Scout Group
On May 4th, the 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scout Group organized a vibrant fundraising event at Tesco Extra Broadstairs, where members of the Squirrel, Beaver, Cubs, and Scouts sections came together to support their cause.
The highlight of the day was a lively bag pack activity, with young scouts and dedicated adult volunteers eagerly assisting customers and spreading cheer throughout the store. Amidst the bustling aisles, Scout stickers became prized possessions, distributed generously to patrons of all ages as a token of appreciation for their support. The event showcased the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the group, with members interacting warmly with customers and sharing their passion for scouting.
The collaborative efforts of the scouts, volunteers, Tesco staff, and generous customers yielded an impressive total of £1515 in funds raised. This substantial contribution will play a crucial role in supporting the group’s activities and maintaining their facilities, ensuring that they can continue to make a positive impact in the community.
The 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scout Group extends their sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their invaluable support and generosity, underscoring the importance of teamwork and community spirit in driving meaningful change.
The 1st Westgate-on-Sea Scout Group. Was formed in 1926, making us one of the oldest Scout Groups in Thanet. We take pride in being a big part of our local community and providing young people with incredible opportunities.
We follow the Scout Association’s programme, which is designed to provide “Skills for life” to our young members. Each section – Squirrels (4-6), Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10½), and Scouts (10½-14) – has its own well-balanced programme of activities, badges, and awards. So, if you think Scouting is just about knots, woggles, and big shorts, you’ll be surprised to know that successful individuals like Richard Branson (Virgin), Barack Obama (former US President), and David Beckham (Former Professional Footballer) got their start in life through Scouting. You can benefit too!
Our Scout HQ is on St. Crispins Road, Westgate-on-Sea CT8 8EB. We draw our members from all over Westgate and the surrounding area. We strive to ensure that our young people and adult volunteers have great fun, make new friends, and create lasting memories through their Scouting journey.
We would like more adult leaders to join our team. Find information at: https://www.1stwestgate.org.uk/
Your Leisure Community Team
The team had a grand day out in Birchington to showcase its extensive range of KCC-funded Wellbeing courses and inclusive leisure membership offerings.
The Centre Alpha Road in Birchington was abuzz with activity on Saturday, 27 April as it played host to an impressive community event, organised by the Birchington Active Leisure Forum (BALF). The day was designed to bring together community-minded organisations and the people of Birchington, and the wider Thanet area.
With over 40 stalls set up, the event was a testament to the diversity of interests and activities prevalent in the community. The stalls ranged from arts & crafts, animals & nature, community groups, health & wellbeing, mental health support, sports and leisure providers, young person services, and culture and history. Each stall was an example of the district’s vibrant community spirit.
There was also a series of captivating demonstrations that further added to the excitement and engagement of the day. Sparkles Belly Dancing, Moore Moves, Line Rangers, Move it or Lose it, Quigley Theatre Arts and Rhythm Express were some of the performances, each bringing their unique flair and energy.
Lorraine Elliott, who attended as Community Champion on behalf of Your Leisure, said of the event: “It was a great way to network with other organisations, and to show members of the public what activities we have to offer across various venues within our community, and across our leisure centres… there is always something great to try out and be more active.”
Your Leisure attended as part of its mission “to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of everyone within our communities,” and community engagement is a key part of promoting health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
Lynda Davis, Head of Finance and Community at Your Leisure, said; “Your Leisure would like to thank Birchington Active Leisure Forum (BALF) and all attendees for a wonderful day that was a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to celebrate and promote its diverse interests and talents.”
Your Leisure delivers a range of services in the community which contribute towards achieving our charitable objectives. Our experienced and qualified Community Team members are proud to be working with both regional and national funding partners to provide targeted interventions that make a real difference within communities.
LEARN MORE ONLINE HERE Live Better in the Community – Your Leisure
Kent Community Foundation
Introduced in early 2022, the Micro funding programme awards grants of up to £2,000 to charities and community groups with an annual income under £75,000. In the past two years over 250 organisations have been supported by experienced grant maker Kent Community Foundation with funding totalling £500,000.
One of the projects that recently received funding from the Micro programme was Margate based Bon Volks CIC. Kent Community Foundation awarded £2,000 to Bon Volks CIC for their ‘Swift Project 2024’.
The project highlights the importance of conservation and biodiversity by focusing on the migratory arrival and departure of swifts. Spending their winters in Africa, Swifts migrate 3,400 miles twice a year, and breed across the UK during the summer, but are most numerous in the south and east.
The project involves Margate residents who become ‘Guardians’ of the swifts, by agreeing to have free swift boxes installed on their properties. The boxes are constructed by Bon Volks CIC volunteers from reclaimed materials and include MP3 players which call to the swifts and encourage nesting.
Ross Walker, Director, Bon Volks CIC said: “Our 2024 Swift project highlights the importance of conservation and biodiversity gains, by focusing on the migratory arrival and departure of swifts while raising environmental awareness and improving the wellbeing of residents.
“Dane Park Road in Margate is a focal point of swift nesting and feeding. The swifts habitually return to the road every year, to capitalise on the rich feeding sites that exist on the edges of Dane Park. However, in recent years nesting sites on Dane Park Road have begun to disappear and a reduced insect population has led to dwindling numbers.
“We believe the uniqueness of the Dane Park Rd phenomenon should be highlighted and celebrated and that the local residents should be rightly proud of their annual visitors. There has been increased coverage, nationally, of the need to protect the swifts, as a key part of a healthy functioning ecosystem and we hope our project will be used as an example for other neighbourhoods to follow our lead.”
Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact and Deputy Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation said: “Swifts were added to the red list in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species on this list needing urgent action. As species on this list, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges we were delighted to support this Margate based project from our Micro grants programme.”
The Swift project also involves a number of other activities including a community sweepstake to predict the date of the swifts’ arrival and an exhibition about their conservation work.
To contact Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups call 01303 814500, email [email protected] or visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding
Millmead Children’s Centre
The centre will host a Family Trade Fair on May 28, from 10am to 2pm.
Stalls include bakery goods and sweet treats, children’s books, sand art, skincare, face painting, gifts and goodies and the large red play bus for children aged 7 and below.
Entry is free. The children’s centre is in Dane Valley Road, Margate.
Chartwell House
As the vibrant colours of spring paint, the landscape and the sun beckons us outdoors, Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes is thrilled to announce its upcoming Community Walkathon at Ellington Park on Saturday, 18th May.
This event promises an uplifting journey through the scenic pathways of the park, fostering not only physical activity but also a sense of community togetherness.
The Ellington Park Walkathon embodies the core values of Chartwell House – promoting holistic wellbeing and strengthening community bonds. This event is not just about taking steps; it’s about embracing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and social health.
Diane Collins, the Home Manager, said: “At Chartwell House, we understand the profound impact that physical activity can have on our health and happiness. Walking is not just about putting one foot in front of the other; it’s about connecting with nature, revitalizing our spirits and nurturing our bodies. By organising this Community Walkathon, we hope to inspire individuals of all ages to prioritize their health and experience the joy of walking in the company of others.”
Jude Coveney, the Admissions Manager at Chartwell House Care Home, added: “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Chartwell House. It’s about forging meaningful connections, supporting one another, and creating a sense of belonging. Our Community Walkathon is a testament to the power of coming together for a shared purpose. As we walk side by side through Ellington Park, we’re not just taking steps; we’re building bonds that strengthen our community and enrich our lives.”
For more information and to register for the walkathon, please contact Chartwell House Care Home at 01843 260 970.
WildernesstoWonderland
Rory rescued a lovely plant which had outgrown its pot. This will be planted in our community gardens along with the hundreds of pounds worth of stock which we rescued last week from the hanging baskets in town
Our new big project -working closely with TDC- is to improve and develop the land in front of the Premier Inn to be enjoyed by visitors and residents. Another huge project empowering local community to take charge of and be proud of our fabulous town. All takes time and money. We would welcome for some extra volunteers to make rapid progress, sponsors from local companies and gifts from passers by passers by snapping QR Codes
And most exciting of all are the positive feedback and pictures from local schools who are growing plants to be transferred into wildernesstowonderland community gardens later on.
You are welcome to join wildernesstowonderland as a volunteer, sponsor or supporter. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Justgiving or Email [email protected]
Rotary Club of Margate
Rotary Club of Margate hosted a night of Opera in the beautiful St Mary the Virgin Church in Minster on Friday 27th April.
We were all treated to the amazing voices of three up and coming Opera singers, supported by a very special pianist.
The Thanet Male Voice Choir delighted the audience with a selection of beautiful songs.
Alaric Green, originally from Minster, began his journey into music when he was 16 years old with a schools production of Les Miserables. In 2011 he became the youngest person ever to attend the London School of Musical Theatre at the age of 17.
Welcome home Alaric.
Emyr Lloyd-Jones, a tenor from North Wales studying Opera at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Zoe Jackson, a soprano from the North-East of England studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Emelia Noack-Wilkinson, a pianist from Australia is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Thank you to Rotarian Charlie Gould and everyone who helped organise this event.
Net proceeds will go to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service and the QEQM League of Friends.
D Day 80th Commemoration concert
On June 8th a commemoration concert is to be held, marking 80 years since our brave soldiers, sailors and airmen fought for our Country on the Normandy beaches in 1944.
A Charity concert is to be held at The Centre Birchington, by the Birchington Branch of the Royal British Legion with all money raised going to help our veterans of not only WW2 but also later confrontations.
The very popular Railway Swing Band will be performing music of the 1940’s era led by Dave White who is himself a veteran of the Royal Marines. Dave has promised a full programme including some Glenn Miller favourites.
Tickets costing £10 per person are available and going fast so don’t miss out on this wonderful evening.
Please contact Chris Buffrey on 07711938373 or email: [email protected]
St Nicholas-at-Wade Church
The Friends of St Nicholas-at-Wade Church will hold a craft fair on June 29 from 10am to 2pm.
Lunch, hot beverages and cake on offer.
Free entry.
Project Catwalk
A fashion show and entertainment will raise money for Dementia UK next month.
The event, which will include entertainment from Jo Killington and DJ Slim Bubba, takes place at the Rodney pub in Garlinge on June 8 from 2pm.
Tickets are £10, barbecue will be available.
The annual fundraiser is organised by pub landlady Karen Boore and family including mum-of-three Maree Manyweathers.
Maree, who owns business Queenies boutique, and family previously appeared on a Sky Atlantic documentary following their journey as they looked after their mum Irene who suffered with dementia.
Rally for Change
A groundbreaking initiative aimed at getting children from disadvantaged backgrounds into tennis, the “Rally for Change” campaign, has officially launched in East Kent. This campaign is a community collaboration funded by local businesses, tennis clubs and individuals committed to positive social impact through tennis.
The “Rally for Change” campaign, spearheaded by Net Gain Communities CIC and Infinity Tennis, aims to harness the power of sports to transform lives by providing focus, role models, and a safe environment for children. Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, the initiative will allow 16 children to attend tennis sessions twice a week for a full year at no cost, a free tennis racket and a year’s membership to their local tennis club.
“Our belief in the transformative power of sports, particularly tennis, drives this initiative,” said Gavid Vickers, Head Coach at Infinity Tennis. “We are excited to see these children grow, not just in their skills on the court but in their confidence and life perspectives.”
Program Highlights:
Eligibility and Selection: Participants are selected based on several criteria, including receiving free school meals, residing within proximity to one of the designated tennis clubs (Margate, Broadstairs, Spencer Square, Ramsgate, Herne Bay, or Faversham), and being from an economically disadvantaged background.
Community Support: Local businesses, tennis clubs and community members generously contributed to funding the project, highlighting our communities’ commitment to nurturing young people- raising over £5K in two weeks!
Impact Goals: The program is designed to teach new skills, develop discipline, improve health and mental wellbeing, and open new social and developmental opportunities for young people.
Ongoing Support and Future Plans:
As the program progresses, we will monitor the impact on the children’s development and community engagement. Plans are underway to expand the number of participants based on the success of the “Rally for Change” tennis initiative through further fundraising. Donations for the next year will be gratefully received.
“We are immensely grateful to all the schools and community partners that have joined hands with us to make this vision a reality,” added Sarah Johnson, Director at Net Gain CIC. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to fostering an environment where every child can thrive and succeed.”
Gavid, Infinity Tennis, added “that for the past 10yrs we have actively engaged with all our communities locally and this is our latest initiative to open up tennis and make it accessible to everyone”.
We and our staff live in East Kent and we believe strongly in giving back to make our local communities resilient and successful.
For more information on how to support or participate in the “Rally for Change” campaign, please visit www.net-gain.uk or contact us on 07976057454.
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